Have you ever experienced these symptoms? Itching, raised bumps, or rash that becomes bothersome? Sometimes these symptoms occur during the nighttime or when the weather is cool. If this is the case, it may indicate that you have an allergic rash or hives. This is something that should not be overlooked, as it can lead to potentially dangerous complications. Allergic rashes can affect individuals of all ages, particularly those with insufficient rest or weakened immune systems. Today, we will help readers understand more about allergic rashes.
Getting to Know Allergic Rashes
In reality, allergic rashes are not a disease but rather a group of symptoms that occur when our bodies react to external factors that trigger an allergic response. This reaction manifests as a rash on the skin accompanied by itching. Allergic rashes can occur in people of all genders and ages, although they are most common among individuals between the ages of 20 and 40. The characteristic rash of allergic reactions appears as red patches or hives distributed across the body and usually disappears within 24 hours. Allergic rashes can be classified into two types:
1. Acute Urticaria: This type of allergic rash occurs as a result of various allergies, such as medications, seafood, insects, or pollen. Symptoms persist for up to 42 days or no longer than 6 weeks.
2. Chronic Urticaria: Patients with chronic urticaria experience symptoms of allergic rash at least twice a week, with symptoms persisting for more than 42 days or longer than 6 weeks. The chronic form of allergic rash may come and go sporadically within the body or due to various triggering factors such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, insufficient rest, or even unknown causes.
Symptoms of Allergic Rashes
Patients with allergic rashes exhibit raised, swollen patches of skin that can be red in color. The rash is blotchy, not blistery, and has raised edges. These hives spread across the body and cause itching. Symptoms typically subside within 24 hours, but some individuals may experience additional complications such as difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, or chest tightness. If the symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult a physician.
Causes of Allergic Rashes
- Food allergies: These can include seafood, legumes, and even food adulterated with substances such as preservatives, food coloring, or additives.
- Medications: Some medications can trigger allergic reactions leading to hives.
- Physical stimuli: Allergic rashes can result from the body's response to external factors such as temperature, weather, compression, or friction against the skin.
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as well as complications from certain diseases such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, thyroid disorders, immune system disorders, or various types of cancer.
- Chemical sensitivities: Allergic rashes can be caused by direct contact with substances that the body reacts to negatively, such as flower pollen, animal fur, synthetic fibers, cosmetics, or insect bites or stings.
Diagnosis of Allergic Rashes
Diagnosing allergic rashes involves identifying the underlying causes and contributing factors through initial questioning and history-taking. If the patient experiences recurrent and excessive allergic reactions, further testing may be conducted, such as:
- Blood tests to evaluate blood density and white blood cell count.
- Stool examination to identify parasites or worm larvae that may be causing the rash.
- X-rays.
- Dental check-up or extensive allergy testing to identify specific allergens.
Treatment of Allergic Rashes
1. Avoiding triggering substances to prevent further allergic reactions. For example, if you are allergic to certain foods or medications, it is important to avoid them.
2. Taking antihistamines as prescribed by a physician. The choice of medication depends on the individual's lifestyle and needs. For individuals allergic to cold weather or water, antihistamines such as Cyproheptadine may be suitable. For those who drive or need to maintain alertness during activities, antihistamines such as Loratadine, Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, or Desloratadine may be more appropriate.
Self-Care for Allergic Rashes
1. Follow the prescribed medication regimen and take the medication as directed to ensure effective treatment.
2. Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy areas.
3. If itching is severe, calamine lotion can be applied to relieve irritation and itching.
4. Avoid triggering factors that may induce allergic rashes.
5. Choose suitable medications that do not interfere with daily activities or lifestyle.
6. Take care of the skin to prevent excessive dryness by using lotions or creams that are free of fragrance or chemicals.
Complications of Allergic Rashes
Approximately 1 in 4 patients with acute urticaria and 1 in 2 patients with chronic urticaria may develop complications. These can manifest as angioedema, which is more severe than allergic rashes. Patients may experience significant swelling under the skin around the eyes or mouth, accompanied by a burning sensation and pain at the affected site. Breathing difficulties and chest tightness can also occur. Additionally, severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Symptoms include a runny nose, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or even loss of life. Therefore, if allergic rashes persist for a long period, seeking medical attention is crucial for appropriate treatment.
For Krungthai-AXA life insurance customers experiencing allergic rashes and in need of consultation with a physician, you can utilize the Krungthai-AXA TeleHealth service. Simply download the Emma by AXA app and select "TeleHealth" after confirming your policy number during the first use. For more information, visit https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/telehealth
Reference:
· Siriraj Hospital
· Phyathai Hospital
· Chulalongkorn Hospital
· Medthai website
· Pobpad website
